Stress and Dissatisfaction in the Air Force’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft Community: Focus Group Findings

This report examines stress and dissatisfaction in the U.S. Air Force’s remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) community and ways to mitigate that stress and dissatisfaction. Focus groups revealed that RPA personnel were concerned by heavy workloads, undermanning, shiftwork, lack of training, and undesirable base locations. Researcher recommendations include reducing crews’ workload and establishing a combat-to-dwell policy for RPA personnel.